☝️ Key Points
- The song addresses the importance of returning home and family.
- The lyrics remind the singer of his childhood and his mother calling him for dinner.
- It's about the shadows growing longer and it's time to come home.
- The song symbolizes the longing for security, belonging, and home.
- Overall, the song lyrics convey the importance of family, returning home, and memories of childhood.
Interpretation
"Suppertime" is a song by
Johnny Cash that explores the meaning of coming home and the importance of family. The lyrics evoke the singer's childhood, when he played outside and his mother called him in for dinner. It's about the shadows growing longer and it's time to come home.
The song begins with the singer recounting his childhood, playing outside until sunset. Then he describes walking the familiar path back home and his mother calling him. She says, "Come on home, it's suppertime, the shadows grow fast. Come on home, it's suppertime, we're going home at last."
The lines "Through the distant clouds, I see my mother, her face shining bright with tender love. She has ascended to heaven with her Creator and I can still hear her voice from above" show that his mother has already passed away, but her love and memory are still strong within him.
The chorus "Come on home, it's suppertime, the shadows grow fast. Come on home, it's suppertime, we're going home at last" symbolizes the longing for security, belonging, and home.
Overall, the song's lyrics convey the importance of family, coming home, and memories of childhood. It speaks of a mother's love and care that remains present even after her death. The lyrics remind the listener to cherish time with family and enjoy the warmth of home."